An official written announcement distributed to media and public audiences about news from an organization.
A public relations format used to communicate timely, factual developments.
Short and sweet:
An official written announcement distributed to media and public audiences about news from an organization.
A public relations format used to communicate timely, factual developments.
See also: Public Relations, Earned Media, Brand Reputation
A press release is a formal, written announcement distributed to journalists and media outlets to share news like a product launch, funding round, or partnership, written in a style intended to be lifted directly into a news story. Unlike an ad, it doesn’t guarantee placement or control over the final coverage, since editors decide independently whether and how to run the story. A well-written release leads with the most newsworthy detail and includes quotes and background information that make a reporter’s job easier.
When Apple unveils a new iPhone, it distributes a formal press release to outlets like TechCrunch and The Verge hours before the public keynote even airs, giving reporters the exact specs and pricing to publish immediately.
A hospital system merging with another provider might issue one through a wire service like PR Newswire to explain the deal to local news stations and community members.
Startups raising a funding round often time an announcement to coincide with the news, using it to control the narrative before rumors or leaks shape the story instead.
